Clone Wars: Season 3

[Rico]

They had a recent ForceCast Clone Wars Roundtable discussion about that, some callers were commenting that their kids were very much engaged and liking Asohka and Padme a lot more as they have featured strongly in these episodes. I do agree they are all over the map, however.

Yeah, now why do I have trouble buying that?  Even Kenny is down on this season some.  Sorry, but I think it's been inconsistent at best.  And it's a big shift from the structure and storyline methods they have done in previous seasons.  I'm ok with them showing the impact of war on a society but they need a better balance of stories.  At least in my opinion.

[Bryancd]

It seems that something about the episode production order may have forced them to not produce these episodes at a time more inline with when they should have aired and they are dumping them all at once. It certainly feels that way as they are all so similar in terms of content. I wonder if that's a reason for the last 4 or 5 being so much about the politics. I think if viewed in proper sequence, they would flow much better but out of context it's really confusing. Still, I do like them, the last one especially, I am a bit of a political wonk. :)

[KingIsaacLinksr]

I think they said they were going to go to more linear storyline soon.  I really hope so, I'm starting to dislike this all-over-the-place bit we've been going on for a while.

King

[Geekyfanboy]

So they are doing screenings in movie theaters for the next 3 parter that comes out in Jan on Cartoon Network... I didn't hear about it until it was too late.. but the screening in LA was last night and here is a report of the events.. not really spoiler but does talk about upcoming stuff.

Clone Wars: Savage Opress Rocks
We check out the upcoming Star Wars episodes and like what we see.
December 7, 2010
by Eric Goldman

The first half of Star Wars: The Clone Wars's third season has not exactly been the most exciting period for the animated series, and during his introduction to the upcoming three-part Savage Opress storyline last night at a Los Angeles screening, supervising director Dave Filoni acknowledged the recent criticisms of some viewers that there has been way too few lightsaber battles versus way too many political storylines.

Filoni promised that there were some payoffs coming to the political storylines down the line that would explain why so much time was spent on them – but also vowed that the second half of Season 3 is much more action-heavy, and indeed doesn't have a single scene set in the Republic Senate.

After Filoni's encouraging words, the Savage Opress trilogy was shown, presented in an edited together form that turned it into one big film – and wow did it work in that regard. For those waiting for a lot more action again on The Clone Wars, let me say that these are the episodes you've been looking for. The villains get a huge spotlight here, with major storylines and scenarios for Count Dooku, Asajj Ventress and, of course, the brand new character, Savage Opress.

As you've probably heard, Opress is the successor to Darth Maul, brought into the storyline after a big turn of events between Dooku and Ventress. Without going into detail about all that occurs, I'll say that these episodes delve into Ventress' backstory, while also showing the origin of Savage, voiced by The Kurgan himself, Clancy Brown. Written by Katie Lucas (yes, that's George's daughter) this is strong, compelling and dark material that is one of the best storylines the series has delved into.

There are a ton of fight scenes, including several for Ventress that show just how formidable she can be with or without a lightsaber. But when it comes to lightsaber fights especially, Star Wars fans should love what these episodes offer, as there are a ton of notable ones, the majority of which involve three participants.

While Ventress and Savage both have some great material here, these episodes also are an awesome spotlight for Count Dooku. Multiple lightsaber battles for the man also known as Darth Tyranus prove just how much of a bad ass he can be – perhaps best displayed during a scene first shown last summer at Star Wars Celebration V, where Dooku has been drugged and is fighting against three invisible, lightsaber wielding opponents, and yet still proves to be one hell of a difficult guy to take down.

As someone who loves The Clone Wars, I have found myself among those frustrated by Season 3, which has been so top heavy with politically themed episodes, seemingly one after the other, many of which have failed to come alive (there have been exceptions, such as the strong "Heroes on Both Sides"). But this Savage Opress storyline is exactly the kick in the pants this season has needed, veering back into stories of both Jedi and Sith -- Yes, Obi-Wan and Anakin are part of this storyline, though they are truly supporting players to the villains this time out -- and just how dangerous the Dark Side of the Force can be.

The Los Angeles screening, which is one of many being held in several cities across the country this month, was capped off by a preview highlighting the rest of Season 3, following the Opress story. There was no dialogue, just a lot of cool imagery, including plenty more Jedi action, such as the Clone Wars debut of prequel character Even Piell. However, it was the very end of the trailer that will have fans talking the most. And this probably warrants its own spoiler warning...

We see Anakin screaming, "No!" and then a shot of a furious looking Ahsoka, holding her ignited lightsaber, and leaping off a ledge and seemingly attacking Anakin - who is standing down below her, holding his lightsaber at the ready.

Yeah, my interest was piqued by that one!

The Savage Opress episodes of The Clone Wars air in January on Cartoon Network. Look for my individual episode reviews then.

[Rico]

Now, that sounds like my kind of "Star Wars!"  

Found a nice article here on the screening and some pics.

http://www.galacticbinder.com/pclone-wars-savage-opress-screening.html

[Geekyfanboy]

Just watched last Friday's episode and it was the conclusion to the senate debate and it was pretty.. really liked the biker chase.. and I've always been a big Padame supporter. But I do miss the Jedi. But it sounds like when it comes back next year some big things will be happening.

[Yeoman Mara]

I love this show, but where's Anakin been off to?  I miss him and Ventress.  Love it when they fight!  More sabers the better!  :)

[Geekyfanboy]

OMG... they just released the trailer for the second half of Season 3 and it's AWESOME!!!! gives me chills each time I watch it, and i've watched it like six times so far.. the final scene.. WOW!!!

THIS IS STAR WARS THE CLONE WARS!!!!!

http://insidetv.ew.com/2010/12/14/star-wars-the-clone-wars-trailer-an-ew-exclusive/

[Bryancd]

I heard the Savage Opress epsiodes screened were AMAZING!

[Rico]

NO!  I don't want this.  I want more tainted food, trade embargo's, banking talk, and politicians giving speeches!  Oh wait - that's on CNN, not the CN.  ;)

[KingIsaacLinksr]

NO!  I don't want this.  I want more tainted food, trade embargo's, banking talk, and politicians giving speeches!  Oh wait - that's on CNN, not the CN.  ;)

I AGREE!  More politicians!  More backdoor deals!

;)

King

[Rico]

Who am I kidding?  This is frakking awesome!!!

Star Wars: The Clone Wars Season 3-2011 Teaser

[Geekyfanboy]

Oh wow.. someone put it up on youtube.. wonder if it will stay up long.. suppose to be an EW exclusive. Enjoy it while we can.

[Rico]

Oh wow.. someone put it up on youtube.. wonder if it will stay up long.. suppose to be an EW exclusive. Enjoy it while we can.

There no such thing as exclusive on the internets!  ;)

[Geekyfanboy]

Oh wow.. someone put it up on youtube.. wonder if it will stay up long.. suppose to be an EW exclusive. Enjoy it while we can.

There no such thing as exclusive on the internets!  ;)

That's true.. but if Lucas films hears about it they can have youtube pull it.. we use to do that with The Guild all the time.